According to data from the Washington state Department of Health, the number of flu cases appears to be leveling off.

The flu outbreak has been confirmed by data that shows that the number of visits to emergency rooms for flu-like related illnesses are above normal. State officials say the outbreak is in its eighth week.

The state health agency said that the number of flu cases has peaked in Eastern Washington, and west of the Cascades, has leveled off. But the illness continues to be widespread and is serious for many.

According to the state DOH data, 38 have died as the result of the flu as of Feb. 13. More than 80 percent of those deaths have been persons 65 or older.

The agency warns, however, that the flu season is not yet over, and many remain at risk of getting the virus and becoming ill from complications.

For more, go to www.doh.wa.gov.